Back
Relationships · Assertiveness

Boundary Script Builder — 6 Scenarios

Read them out loud — the words that feel impossible become normal by the third use

TherapistAssist logo

A boundary isn't the feeling — it's the sentence. Six pre-written scripts you can borrow, plus space to write your own. Read them out loud. The words that feel impossible at first become normal by the third use.

1
Declining a request

"That doesn't work for me. Thanks for asking."

My version
2
Ending a phone call

"I've got to go — I'll call you back this week."

My version
3
Someone gave unwanted advice

"I appreciate the thought. I'm not looking for advice on this one."

My version
4
Family member asks intrusive question

"That's between me and my therapist. What are you working on lately?"

My version
5
Partner interrupts you

"Give me a minute to finish. I want to hear you next."

My version
6
Being asked to keep a secret you don't want to hold

"I can't promise that. If you tell me, I might need to tell someone."

My version
One I will use this week — and with whom (initials only)
© 2026 TherapistAssist ·

About this worksheet

A boundary isn't the feeling — it's the sentence. Clients often know they want a boundary and have no words for it in the moment. This worksheet gives them the words. Six numbered scenarios with a pre-written script and a 'my version' fill-in for each: declining a request ('That doesn't work for me. Thanks for asking.'), ending a phone call ('I've got to go — I'll call you back this week.'), someone gave unwanted advice ('I appreciate the thought. I'm not looking for advice on this one.'), family member asks an intrusive question ('That's between me and my therapist. What are you working on lately?'), partner interrupts you ('Give me a minute to finish. I want to hear you next.'), being asked to keep a secret you don't want to hold ('I can't promise that. If you tell me, I might need to tell someone.'). Closes with one line: which one to practice this week, with whom (initials only).

When to use it

  • Assertiveness skills training.
  • People-pleasing recovery — pairs directly with the fawn tracker.
  • Family-of-origin work.
  • Workplace conflict and career-transition coaching.
  • Couples renegotiation and post-affair rebuilding.

How to use it

  1. 1
    Read the pre-written scripts out loud

    The words feel impossible internally and normal externally. Reading aloud in session bridges the gap.

  2. 2
    Personalize the 'my version'

    The generic script is a scaffold. The client's own words — same structure, own voice — become the version they'll actually use.

  3. 3
    Pick one to practice, not all six

    One boundary practiced beats six boundaries planned.

  4. 4
    Follow up next session on the specific instance

    Which scenario, with whom, what happened, what to adjust. Boundary work is iterative.

Frequently asked questions

Won't scripted boundaries feel inauthentic?+

The first three uses feel scripted. The tenth use feels like the client's own voice. Assertiveness is a skill; skills start scripted.

What if the other person reacts badly?+

That is not a sign the boundary was wrong — usually the opposite. Reactive responses often reveal exactly why the boundary was needed. Debrief and adjust delivery rather than abandoning the boundary.

Is this worksheet free?+

Yes. Free printable PDF. Sign in to send as a secure client link.

Related worksheets

Relationships
Assertive Communication
Open worksheet
Relationships
'No' Scripts for People-Pleasers
Open worksheet
Relationships
Boundary Builder
Open worksheet

Worksheet — Boundary Script Builder — 6 Scenarios — provided by TherapistAssist for clinical use. Not a substitute for assessment or treatment.